Arsene Wenger Has Backing Of The Board

Arsene Wenger can still “take Arsenal forward” and his future will be discussed “at an appropriate time”, chairman Sir Chips Keswick says.

Wenger is inside the final year of his current deal and has repeatedly said he will not consider his future until the end of the season.

The Arsenal boss was given a standing ovation at the club’s Annual General Meeting on Monday when he was presented with a portrait by majority shareholder Stan Kroenke to mark his 20 years in charge.

And when a question from the floor broached the subject of a new contract Keswick, quoted by the Daily Mirror, said: “We all recognise the fantastic contribution Arsene has made to club in the last 20 years.

“We are confident about his ability to take us forward. We will sit down and discuss the future at the appropriate time but our focus is on maintaining the current run and competing for trophies.”